On The Beach

With Beverly BaxterSpringing Forward

With Beverly Baxter
Springing Forward

With the renewal of the season, while everything just screams to be made, comes the hope and feeling of joy of life, itself! It’s a time when everything is about to be born and burst with life. We feel powerfully inspired to spring ahead into a new moment of a new beginning. With the very first nice day, the top comes off of my convertible, the shorts come on, and off I go blading around the town I love sooo well and feeling sooo very grateful to live by such a beautiful seascape.

Although the nice weather makes many of us feel naturally "high", to some of us who may be suffering a particular loss, the beauty around them can often have a reverse effect and make one feel even sadder. While it seems everyone and everything: the flowers; trees; the children playing; are all saluting and celebrating life, there are those who simply wish to draw the shades and make the world go away.
If you or someone you love is enduring a loss or they are stuck in a moment and can’t seem to "skip the needle on the record" forward, there is help within our community.

Mary Dever Kelly knows something about loss. After a long and very cruel illness, her husband, the much beloved Jerry Dever passed away. Her whole world changed and she didn’t know quite how to move on with life. Gradually, she attended Bereavement groups where she met many who shared their experiences of grieving a loss. She also met a man who would become her future husband and partner in the next chapter of her life. Today, Mary and Jim Kelly devote much of their life to helping others move forward. They are a living example of the power, miracle, and love that resides within the next moment... when one becomes open to receiving the gift of letting go and letting one’s life move along. The Kelly’s will be hosting a Grieving A Loss Retreat at Saint Paul’s Center in Douglaston on May 14 through May 16. Mary states, "The Retreat is for anyone who has endured any kind of loss. It doesn’t have to be the loss of a spouse through death. It could be the loss or end of any relationship, a job, or anything" that has hindered one from moving forward in their life. For more info., you may contact Mary and Jim Kelly. They are listed.

The Devers were wintering in Florida where they met many people who at some time had some memory of...Rockaway! She told me a funny story about her friend Ira, who is Jewish, and his trip to Ireland. While he was touring around the Emerald Isle, he wore a baseball cap with his name on it; but everywhere he went people told him to cover his name. He wondered why? Did they not like the name Ira? He knew that the Irish weren’t anti-Semitic. He couldn’t figure it out until someone told him his name stood for: I.R.A!

***I attended the book signing for the release of Congressman Peter King’s book, Vale of Tears, at The Harbor Light. I got to spend much time speaking with the Congressman about the book, a fictitious account of a Terrorist attack, and how we are still vulnerable. I always find Congressman King to be genuinely gracious, approachable, giving, and engaging. We also share a mutual friend: the late James Conway Sullivan. He was also delighted to meet Tom Lynch and other fellow Republicans who attended and to hear of a new Republican Club in Rockaway, which he said he would assist in any way he can. It was great to see my friend Kevin Boyle, whom I miss reading in The Wave—and whose book, Braving The Waves, Peter King referred to as "the greatest book he ever read—three times!" Also great to see were Mary and Ben Lenihan, Palmer Doyle, and Christy and Kathleen O’Connell who were hosting Kathleen’s sister Nula who was visiting from Ireland.

***There is still time to obtain tickets for The Trinity Seniors Luncheon, which will be held on Thursday, April 29 at Russo’s on-the-Bay. Trinity Seniors, under the leadership of Dr. Geraldine D. Chapey, provides much needed programs and services to over two thousand seniors in our community. The Luncheon is being Co-Chaired by Frances Abbracciamento and Joseph Mure’ Jr.

***Councilman Addabbo has stated that the controversial Parking Signs which were officially put in place last week is not by any means a "done deal". The issue will be revisited in several months by D.O.T Commissioner Iris Weinshall who will at that time take a walking tour to determine the sign’s impact. Readers of The Wave are encouraged to continue to write their views to the Councilman , as well as to The Wave. It’s your right!

***Congratulations to Councilman Joe and his lovely wife Dawn on the birth of their first child, Alexis Jules. We look forward to this new rising political star of the Addabbo family!

***If you wish to help continue the much-needed work of the Addabbo Family Health Center and assist in the building of their new facility, you may do so by buying a brick. Please contact Zandra Myers, Executive Director (she’s also a very special person!).

***With the spring, people come out of winter’s hibernation and it was great to see that man-about-town Pat Keane recently on 116 St. I don’t know how he does it. Pat always stays so fit..like a wonderfully big strong Oak tree!

***Belated Happy Birthday wishes to Christine McNulty who turned 11 years old last week!

***And very special Happy Birthday wishes today to both Anne McKeon and Mary Bright!